Although several talks of superstar Manny Pacquiao retiring in less than a couple of years has circulated among fans, ESPN reported that the Filipino boxer may be staying until 2016.
Pacquiao and Bob Arum, Top Ranking Boxing promoter, are currently discussing the possibility of extending his contract, composed of five fights which will cover a period of two years. Manny personally verbalized that he wanted to continue fighting for two more years.
Pacquiao's popularity was resurrected after his recent victory over Timothy Bradley on April 12, 2014. He suffered the worst year of his career by losing two fights in 2012 against Juan Marquez and Bradley. Pacquiao is required by the World Boxing Federation (WBO) to fight whoever emerges the winner in the Marquez-Mike Alvarado fight on May 17, 2014, in a report by The Ring.
Arum said, "Yes, we are talking about the extension. We are working it out. We are talking about a lot of things." Arum said parts of the conversation included where the fights will be held, who the possible fighters will be and their respective marketing strategies. Should the deal push through, Pacquiao will have one more fight in 2014 then two fights in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Arum added, "We've had a very good discussion and pretty much a meeting of the minds, but we still have to sort out the details. The fact is that there are plenty of future guys for Manny to fight."
Although the mega fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather seems like a long shot despite Pacquiao's recent win, Arum assured boxing fans that there are new fighters who are serious and eager to fight the Filipino, Ruslan Provodnkov being one of them.
Should Pacquiao and Bob Arum agree to the extension contract, he has a list of potential opponents like Sergio Martinez, Miguel Cotto and Martinez.
Michael Koncz, adviser of Pacquiao, said that he has to talk to Mannyto weigh the risks and benefits, considering his current status andadvanced boxing age.
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